University of South Carolina-Columbia Top Questions

In highschool I used to be a worrier. I thought that if I planned enough for what could go wrong I could prevent it from happening. However if there's one thing that I've learned in college besides my social security number, it's that the only palpable things worrying leaves you with are heartburn and regret. Worrying about picking "the perfect" school won't get you in the door. Unless worrying grants you a 4.0, excellent reccomendations, a stellar SAT score, and a connection to the dean of admissions, it will not get you into Harvard. Don't worry if you have to settle for your second or third choice school, because every place has something unique to offer. If you're too busy worrying you may never find it. Also don't worry about making a place for yourself in college. It won't happen the first day, week, or maybe even month, but you will carve out your own unique place no matter where you end up. College is nothing more and nothing less that what you make it, so instead of worrying your way though it, get involved and make the most of it.

Really focus on what the student wants to study at the given college. How satisfied the student is with the department of his/her area of study is a large indicator as to how satisfied the student will be with his/her college experience as a whole. Make sure the student has opportunities in the area to grow and develop outside of course ciricum (this includes internships). Whereas specific degree programs are incredibly important, be sure that the physical/social surroundings are going to be condusive to your student's happiness. The school you are looking at may be number one nationally for your area of study, but if you don't feel comfortable on campus or with the activities available in surrounding areas, pass it by and look for better matches that are also highly ranked for your chosen area of study.

I would look for a school that has a lot to offer financially, educationally, and activity wise. When I was looking for a school, I hadn't chosen a definite major and therefore I wanted a school with a lot of options, I was then able to find exactly what I was looking for. Also, because there are so many clubs and groups on campus, I got involved in many of them and met so many wonderful people. I always tell people to look with their heart and find what fits them best, it is there that you'll find what you've been looking for and what you want out of a school and your education.

In order to know if a school is right for you, the most important part is to visit it. Explore the town surrounding it as well, as you'll always look outside campus for activities to do. The best option would be to stay overnight with a student, preferably someone you know, or even went to high school with. Despite rankings and the reputations of universities, look at what your future will be like when you're about to graduate. Will the opportunities you want be available? Find out more about study abroad opportunities, internships and co-ops available, as well as the career center for your post-graduation job hunt. Before you visit though, take the time to write down the five most important things to you in your college, whether it is intermural sports, on-campus activities, off-campus fun, or the opportunities available to you when you graduate. If the school matches all or at least most of them, have a great time!!

You must begin with a positive attitude of excitement and endless possibilities. Check out as many colleges as you are interested in, even if you think you can't afford the tuition. And make sure to fill out ALL of those scholarship applications -- you never know when you may be the perfect fit for a scholarship that at first seems like a long-shot. Keep close track of deadlines; don't miss out on possibilities because of carelessness. When you arrive at college, jump in with both feet. Get involved in campus activities. Find a place you fit in and make friends that will help support your goals in life. And of course, return the favor! Do not, however, neglect your academic work. Credits are hard to make up, and summer school is expensive! Keep in mind that you're in this for the long haul, so don't get discouraged if you have a setback or two. College is about learning the nuts and bolts of your chosen field, but it is also a time of learning and growing personally. Don't waste an opportunity to learn from your failures, successes, and those around you. And enjoy!

The advice that i would give parents and /or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience would be for the student to first do a self examination. Once that student not parent decide what he or she really wants to do with their life, then the process of finding a school who meets those interest and expectations start. I reccommend that parents listen to their child about their hopes, goals, and dreams. I believe that if the parents can collaborate with the child when selecting a school that satifys the needs of all, then the child has more potential to be successful. I believe that students learn best when they feel that they are involved in the teaching process. Overall, my advice to parents and students is for each of them to reconize that the process of finding the right college can be diffucult; however if they all remember what their commom goal is (success) then i believe that the family will make the right dicision.

Make a list of everything you are looking for in a college. Compare colleges you are interested in and apply to those colleges. Make sure to do a campus visit and ask questions. Make sure to find out what financial aid is available and apply for them.

Find a place that you would enjoy and you could see yourself living and becoming independent. Also make sure that you are disipline enough to be able to study in this atmosphere.

I would recommend that the parents talk with students who are at least juniors or seniors at the schools they are looking at, just so the can get a feel of what the school is like in the long run. Spending a few nights around camups with their children would also be helpful, just so they as a family can get a feel for what really happens there on a regular basis. Read the school newspaper, look at class listings, anything that might help them make a more informed desicion.

The advice that I have for parents and students is to make sure the students get involve with their professors. I would want the students to have a relationship with their professors. The students should not be afraid of asking questions. Get involve with school activities that are related to your major. This is a way to communicate with different people who may share the same values. Students should not be afraid to help others and they may recieve the same help in return. The parents/ students should not start their class work at the last minute. This can cause stress when it comes to the final exams. The students should also take advantage of certain activities provided for the campus. They would find some activities fun which can populate more friends and relieve stress. These are some advice that many parents/ students should view to make the most of college experience.